The Redman Report: Flashback to January 2006: "Trish, I love you."

Have I ever mentioned Trish and Mickie? I’m kidding, this post isnt about that, I promise. But as we continue on the path of 2006 we look at the rest of January, including the Royal Rumble, WWE TV for the month, and more.

As anyone who reads my stuff would know by now, WWE is generally my area of alleged “expertise”. But as I look through the annals of yesteryear, most of the things I find will be WWE, but there’s also good stuff from TNA, US indies, Puro, lucha, a bit of everything. And hey, if something extracurricular grabs my WWE lovin’ eye you’ll know its especially worth checking out.

So in that vein, TNA. I’m not going through 12 months of Jarrett main events or anything, but this is still the heyday of the X Division and what can be called a high point in company history, and for that its worth revisiting. Joe was still on his initial “undefeated” run, and at Final Resolution he defends against Chris Daniels, whom he had beaten to a bloody pulp a few months beforehand to turn the unbelievably unlikeable Daniels into a revenge-seeking babyface. This is a typically good X Title match with some cool pulp-beating and revenge-seeking from Joe and Daniels respectively, with a great finish to build upon the angle of Joe as a completely murderous bastard.

Also, for curiosity’s sake, on the undercard of this PPV was a young, unknown Junior Heavy from Japan who worked a short, uninteresting match with AJ Styles. You might have heard of him if you’re at all interested in Puro since he went on to make a bit of a name for himself, the ol’ Hiroshi Tanahashi.

Anyway, January means of course its time for the Royal Rumblus (yeah, that was this year), abd its all about a little Hispanic Superstar called ~~Eddi-~~ Rey Mysterio. But seriously folks, complain about the booking all you want (and justifiably), but REY MYSTERIO WON THE ROYAL RUMBLE. Thats all I cared about watching it live, and thats all I care about watching it back. He won, and it was awesome. The Rumble itself is really good, not at the tippy top level but great and plenty of fun to be had throughout. Rey, Hunter and Orton were all great in it as the survivors, and the finish RULED. Literally blew the roof off. I love Rey.

One thing I forgot to mention last time regarding Edge and Cena, is that Edge also had quite the month on TV. There was the infamous Live Sex Celebration that drew insane ratings and exposed Edge’s package and Lita’s nipple to the world. Then the first-ever singles TLC match with, of course, the 156 year old Ric Flair, who had his first ladder match and worked like an 156 year old madman. Tonnes of fun though. And on the go-home Raw for the Rumble there’s a super fun tag match, Edge and Masters vs Cena and Flair in Charlotte. Stay away from the Rumble title match though, sadly its really quite a nothing match.

Speaking of the Rumble and nothing matches, Kurt Angle vs Mark Henry. Its amazing how this has been mythologised over the years. Its the worst PPV main event ever, its the only bad match Angle ever had, its the reason why Henry is the worst ever, etc. I mean, please. So you watch it knowing all that and…well, it wasnt any good. Not even I am arguing that. But it wasnt all that terrible a match either. If anything it was just put together really badly – the first half with some familiar big/little man spots was fine, but from there it kind of fell off a cliff and ended with the babyface Angle cheating for no reason to win. Whatever. But hey, WORST MATCH EVER and all that.

Its a crying shame that this somehow closed the book on Henry’s 2006 run, and for some his entire career, when if you actually watch this period of Smackdown he was quite awesome. From the moment he came back and DESTROYED the main event babyface team of Rey and Batista, he was a great monster just wrecking people. And even more to the point, forget the Angle match because its THE REY MYSTERIO MATCH you need to see. Well there were two, both were great, but Rey vs Henry on the 20th was just Oh My God level awesome. Rey was the greatest Rey ever and Henry was the greatest monster ever, and the finish is legit out of this world amazing. I’m not even going to describe it, I want you to go and watch it now, you wont regret it.

Speaking of Smackdown in January, we need to speak about Benoit vs Orton. They began the year finishing the Best of Seven series in the absence of Booker T, and then came back afterwards with a No Holds Barred match for good measure, which ended up being their best match of all. This was a great brawl, with super levels of physicality and intensity. Orton and Benoit in their day were probably the two guys with the best physical work in the company, and man do they just get it done here. This was a great struggle throughout, they used weapons extremely well, and the finish was another good one. I had come in thinking that Orton had an unimpressive 2006 as a boring SD heel, but he’s certainly off to a good start in my book.

Finally, if its C Show action you’re after, then look no further than the Londrick vs Pitbulls match from Velocity 28/1. This is a cool little preview of both the great year London and Kendrick are about to have, and of the beatings that Noble and Kash would distribute in their criminally short run as a team. Londrick take an Almighty ass kicking here, and of course bring it with their cool flippy tag team offense in return. All thats missing is JBL putting everyone over on commentary. Give it time though.

January Top Five:
Trish Stratus vs Mickie James, WWE New Year’s Revolution
Shelton Benjamin vs Viscera, WWE New Year’s Revolution
Rey Mysterio vs Mark Henry, WWE Smackdown 20/1
Chris Benoit vs Randy Orton (No Holds Barred), WWE Smackdown 27/1
Edge vs Ric Flair (TLC), WWE Raw 16/1

Next stop: February. Featuring more of the X Division Three, GENICHIRO TENRYU, and a Kurt Angle Match that I…love?

Cookie	Description
_pxvid	This cookie is used for detection of the browser and distinguishing whether it is a real user or malicious bot.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-advertisement	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Advertisement".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics	This cookies is set by GDPR Cookie Consent WordPress Plugin. The cookie is used to remember the user consent for the cookies under the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-non-necessary	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Non Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	This cookie is used to keep track of which cookies the user have approved for this site.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-preferences	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Preferences".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-uncategorized	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Uncategorized".
CraftSessionId	This cookie name is associated with the Craft web content management system, where is functions as an anonymous session identifier.
csrftoken	This cookie is associated with Django web development platform for python. Used to help protect the website against Cross-Site Request Forgery attacks
DSID	To note specific user identity. Contains hashed/encrypted unique ID.
JSESSIONID	Used by sites written in JSP. General purpose platform session cookies that are used to maintain users' state across page requests.
PHPSESSID	This cookie is native to PHP applications. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. The cookie is a session cookies and is deleted when all the browser windows are closed.
viewed_cookie_policy	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Description
b30msc
btc
CMST
cref
d
gpl
i
icts
ig_did
mdata
na_rn
na_sc_e
na_sr
na_srp
session_depth
visitor-id

Cookie	Description
__gads	This cookie is set by Google and stored under the name dounleclick.com. This cookie is used to track how many times users see a particular advert which helps in measuring the success of the campaign and calculate the revenue generated by the campaign. These cookies can only be read from the domain that it is set on so it will not track any data while browsing through another sites.
__stid	The cookie is set by ShareThis. The cookie is used for site analytics to determine the pages visited, the amount of time spent, etc.
_ga	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, camapign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assigns a randoly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gat_gtag_UA_60765351_1	Google uses this cookie to distinguish users.
_gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
ad-id	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content
demdex	This cookie is set under the domain demdex.net and is used by Adobe Audience Manager to help identify a unique visitor across domains.
DigiTrust.v1.identity	Registers data on visitors’ website-behaviour. This is used for internal analysis and website optimization.
dmvk	This cookie is set by DailyMotion who display videos, it registers statistical data of visitors' behaviour on the website.
gid	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the wbsite is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages viisted in an anonymous form.
GPS	This cookie is set by Youtube and registers a unique ID for tracking users based on their geographical location
is_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
sc_is_visitor_unique	This cookie is set by StatCounter to determine how people are using the website
v1st	This is set by DailyMotion to display videos.

Cookie	Description
__asc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__auc	This cookie is used to collect information on consumer behavior, which is sent to Alexa Analytics.
__qca	This cookie is associated with Quantcast and is used for collecting anonymized data to analyze log data from different websites to create reports that enables the website owners and advertisers provide ads for the appropriate audience segments.
_cc_aud	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_cc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_dc	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_cc_id	The cookie is set by crwdcntrl.net. The purpose of the cookie is to collect statistical information in an anonymous form about the visitors of the website. The data collected include number of visits, average time spent on the website, and the what pages have been loaded. These data are then used to segment audiences based on the geographical location, demographic, and user interest provide relevant content and for advertisers for targeted advertising.
_kuid_	The cookie is set by Krux Digital under the domain krxd.net. The cookie stores a unique ID to identify a returning user for the purpose of targeted advertising.
_px2	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxff_tm	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
_pxhd	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
ab	This cookie is generally provided by agkn.com and is used for advertising purposes.
ad-privacy	Provided by amazon-adsystem.com for tracking user actions on other websites to provide targeted content to the users.
ayl_visitor	This cookie registers data on the visitor. The information is used to optimize advertisement relevance.
bafp	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bafp_t	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_pl	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rf_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_rt_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_t_8b2087b102c9e3e5ffed1c1478ed8b78	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bfp_sn_td_2d31c94105a0aa6d1ceaea0c86c6b656	This cookie is from Media.net and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
bito	This cookie is generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bitoIsSecure	This cookies are generally provided by bidr.io and is used for advertising purposes.
bsc	The cookies is set by ownerIQ for the purpose of providing relevant advertisement
CMID	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPRO	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
CMPS	This cookie is linked to advertising and tracking the products users were looking at.
dc_id	This cookie is used to deliver adverts more relevant to you and your interests. They are also used to limit the number of times you see an advertisement as well as help measure the effectiveness of the advertising campaign. They are usually placed by advertising networks with the website operator's permission. They remember that you have visited a website and this information is shared with other organisations such as advertisers.
did	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
didts	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
dpm	The cookie is set by demdex.net. This cookie assigns a unique ID to each visiting user that allows third-party advertisers target that users with relevant ads.
eud	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
euds	This cookie is from Rocket Fuel and is used to deliver targeted advertising across their network sites ensuring users see relevant advertising.
everest_g_v2	The cookie is set under eversttech.net domain. The purpose of the cookie is to map clicks to other events on the client's website.
evo5_popin_instance	Prevents an interaction from reoccurring for visitors not accepting 3rd party cookies.
id	This cookie is set by DoubleClick (which is owned by Google) to build a profile of the website visitor's interests and show relevant ads on other sites.
IDE	Used by Google DoubleClick and stores information about how the user uses the website and any other advertisement before visiting the website. This is used to present users with ads that are relevant to them according to the user profile.
io.narrative.guid.v2	This cookie is generally provided by io.narrative.io and is used for advertising purposes.
KADUSERCOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
KTPCACOOKIE	This cookie is generally provided by pubmatic.com and is used for advertising purposes.
matchliveramp	This cookie is provided by w55c.net and is used for advertising purposes.
mc	This cookie is associated with Quantserve to track anonymously how a user interact with the website.
mxpim	This cookie is generally provided by mxptint.net for advertising purposes.
na_tc	This is a Social Media sharing tracking cookie.
NID	This cookie is used to a profile based on user's interest and display personalized ads to the users.
nnls	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxrc	The purpose of the cookie is to identify a visitor to serve relevant advertisement.
pxvid	This cookie is set by PerimeterX who provide security analyst oversight.
rlas3	The cookie is set by rlcdn.com. The cookie is used to serve relevant ads to the visitor as well as limit the time the visitor sees an and also measure the effectiveness of the campaign.

Cookie	Description
__jid	Cookies set on the website by the third-party commenting platform Disqus.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
disqus_unique	These cookies are set by Disqus so that users can comment on website/platform.
G_ENABLED_IDPS	The cookie is used by Google and is used for Google Single Sign On.
mid	The cookie is set by Instagram. The cookie is used to distinguish users and to show relevant content, for better user experience and security.
na_id	This cookie is set by Addthis.com to enable sharing of links on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter
ouid	The cookie is set by Addthis which enables the content of the website to be shared across different networking and social sharing websites.
ov	This is a generic functional cookie that provides enhanced functionality and personalisation.
ts	This cookie is generally provided by PayPal and supports payment services in the website.
vuid	These cookies are used by the Vimeo video player on websites.

The Redman Report: Flashback to January 2006: “Trish, I love you.”

You might also like

FIND THE TOPICS YOU WANT...

Recommended for you